Israeli strikes across the southern Gaza Strip killed at least 26 Palestinians overnight into Sunday, including a Hamas political leader and several women and children. The military sent ground troops into part of the southern city of Rafah as thousands of Palestinians heeded new evacuation orders.

Israel previously threatened Gaza with "complete destruction and devastation"​ if Hamas didn't hand over the remaining hostages.

The death toll crosses 50,000 as Israel intensifies operations inside Gaza, causing further suffering to Palestinians.